No. 444.
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
St.
Petersburg, June 3, 1878.
(Received June 22.)
No. 41.]
Sir: I have the honor to forward to you herewith a
copy and translation of a note yesterday received from Mr. de Giers, upon
the subject of the bi-metallic Congress; and as it is possible that the
translation may not render the precise meaning of the original, I beg to
call your attention especially to the original French.
In this connection I have the honor to inform you that I have this day sent
you the following telegram:
“Evarts,
“Washington, United States:
“Russia accepts Congress; condition, study question only. Reserves
liberty of action as regards further measures. Prefers European
city.
“HOFFMAN.”
I have, &c.,
[Page 762]
[Inclosure in No.
41.—Translation.]
Mr. de Giers to Mr.
Hoffman.
St.
Petersburg, 19–31 May,
1878.
Sir: The imperial ministry has not failed to
communicate to whom it concerned the tenor of the note you were kind
enough to address to his highness the chancellor of the empire, under
date of March 28 (April 9), relative to the intention of the Government
of the United States of America, to convoke a conference with the object
of studying the question of the monetary standard bi-metallic or
single.
I have the honor to inform you to-day, sir, that the imperial government
is entirely disposed to take part in the proposed meeting, on condition,
however, of considering this conference only as a means of facilitating
the study of the question of the metallic standard.
The imperial government reserves at the same time its entire liberty of
action as regards the further measures to be taken in this question, as
far as Russia is concerned.
As regards the choice of the city where the conference might be held, the
imperial government prefers that a city of Europe should be
designated.
Begging you, sir, to have the kindness to communicate to me the further
arrangements of the Government of the United States on this subject, I
profit by the opportunity, &c.,
